The Dagger: College Basketball Blog

Heads up at New Mexico: Stone tiles falling at The Pit

It could honor the blue collar approach coach Steve Alford's team has adopted during his tenure and has the Lobos undefeated and No. 16 in the latest AP poll. And it could give fans who wear the hats a measure of protection against falling tiles inside and outside the storied building.

According to local reports in Albuquerque, 26 8-inch-by-8-inch stone tiles have fallen from facades inside and outside The Pit recently, approximately two years after a $60 million renovation was completed. The tiles were installed as part of that renovation.

University Architect Robert Doran is investigating what is causing the tiles to fall while also taking precautions to protect fans and workers who use the building.

Temporary barricades have been installed in places to prevent people from walking too close to walls and being struck by tiles and cherry and silver banners are being installed in some areas in an effort to catch tiles.

There have been no reported cases of anyone being injured by a falling tile.